More Than a Song - Discovering the Truth of Scripture Hidden in Today's Popular Christian Music

Latest Episodes:

#507: Encore Episode "Amaryllis" by Christy Nockels Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Family is beautiful, frustrating, glorious, embarrassing, and diverse—even Christ's family line includes some characters and heroes. Christy Nockels' song " Amaryllis" inspired me to explore a few of the people in Christ's lineage. It seemed appropriate at this time of year when many of us have just made another year of Christmas memories with family and friends.

Whether your family is on the glorious side, the tragic, or somewhere in between, we see God weave all kinds of people into the lineage of the Savior of the world…so surely there's hope for us!

In this episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Follow cross-references
- Consider the historical context - the article I found on the "silent period" between Micah and Matthew
Episode Guide
Considering the context of your birth
How the Old Testament ends on a note of expectation - Micah 4:4-6
Exploring the lineage of Christ - Matthew 1:17
Learning more about "Grandpa" Perez in Genesis 38
King Hezekiah and his good start - 2 Chronicles 29:1-3
The influence Hezekiah had on his nation - 2 Chronicles 30:6-10
A portion of Hezekiah's legacy - 2 Chronicles 31:20-21
The "rest of the story" of Hezekiah's life - Isaiah 36-39
Zerubbabel and his role in the rebuilding of the altar and the temple - Ezra 3-6

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today
Behind the song "Amaryllis" by Christy Nockels - New Release Today Article
The Song Story of "Amaryllis" - YouTube Video
Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Follow my lead and learn about Judah, Tamar, and Perez in Genesis 38. 2 Chronicles 29-31 tells much of the life of Hezekiah, but Isaiah 36-39 tells the "rest of the story." Zerubabbel, son of Shealtiel, has a major role in the rebuilding of the altar and the temple after the Babylonian deportation, and you can read all about it in chapters 3-6 of Ezra. All of these are in the lineage of Christ. It's an interesting network of people, some with sordid pasts and questionable choices, but woven into the family of Christ nonetheless. Our song says, "Through a fragile people, the Light of Life will come." He continues to use fragile people in HIS story today.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#506: “lowest of lows” by Josiah Queen Dec 16, 2024

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God, the Author, chose to show rather than tell us how far He would go to redeem His people. Consider the highest of highs, where Jesus came from, and the lowest of lows, where he descended to lay His head in a pile of straw. Josiah Queen sings about this in his song, "lowest of lows." This sent me to explore Scriptures that detail Jesus went to humble Himself and why.

We're going to spend some time on a letter from Paul. But don't worry. We'll swing back into the Christmas story in Matthew.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:

Reading in context
Asking questions of the text
Comparing translations
Observing repeated themes
Connecting passages across Scripture
Meditating on key verses
Sharing with a friend

Catch me on my podcast book tour!
Click here to see the full list of podcasts and interviews I’ve completed and upcoming events. Don’t forget to check out the exclusive freebies!

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide!

Exploring the Incarnation of Christ

Understanding the humility of Christ as described in Philippians 2:5-11.
Comparing translations of Philippians 2:7 to explore the meaning of Jesus "emptying Himself."
Examining the biblical doctrine of the incarnation and its importance in our faith.
Refuting common misunderstandings about Christ setting aside His divinity.
Recognizing the paradox of Jesus as both servant and King.

Scripture References:

Colossians 1:16-17 – Jesus as Creator and Sustainer of all things.
1 Corinthians 8:6 – Jesus as the source and purpose of our existence.
Philippians 2:5-11 – Christ's example of humility and obedience.
Matthew 2:1-16 – The earthly implications of Christ’s kingship.

Theology in Focus

What does it mean that Jesus “emptied Himself”?
- Diving into multiple translations and connecting them with Scripture to reveal that Jesus did not cease to be God but set aside His divine privileges to serve and save.
The significance of accurate doctrine: Why understanding the incarnation matters for our faith.

Application:

Reflecting on Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
Living a life of significance by reflecting Christ’s humility and prioritizing others’ needs.

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today Link
The King and the Maiden By Søren Kierkegaard - ReadingTheology.com article
Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read Matthew’s account of the birth of Christ in Matthew 1-2. Then read Paul’s letter to the Philippians and circle back to Philippians 2 to shore up your doctrine — your set of beliefs — about Christ. Meditate on what God really did, and in response, bend your knee and raise your voice in adoration for the God who traded His throne and came to earth for us — the lowest of lows.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#505: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by We Are Messengers Dec 02, 2024

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Scripture teaches us that the "message declared by angels proved to be reliable" (Heb. 2:2). No wonder the traditional Christmas carol instructs us to "hark" -- pay attention to -- what the angels are declaring. There's no better way to celebrate a time-honored hymn like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" than by adding the fun Celtic version by We Are Messengers to your playlist.
Let's follow the call to action in our song and pay attention to what Scripture teaches us in Luke's narrative of Christ's birth.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read in context
- Slow down
- Repetition
- Listen to an audio of the text
- Make observations
- Make a list
- Share with a friend
Episode Guide
Catch me on my podcast book tour! Click here and scroll to the bottom to see all the podcasts/interviews I've completed and those yet to come. And take advantage of the freebies, too!
Building biblical literacy
Reading Luke's narrative of the birth of Christ - Luke 1-2
Observing that angel(s) are mentioned 14 times in two chapters
Making a list of what we learn about angels in these chapters
Allowing Scripture to change the way we think about things we may have pictured wrong for years
Recognizing shared language with Psalm 23, as we learned in Episode 504
Comparing the declaration of the angels in Luke 2:13-16 to what we learned from studying worship responses in Revelation as inspired by Episode 499
Heading over to Hebrews 1-2 to make another list of what we learn about angels and comparing to our list from Luke 1-2
- Hebrews 1:4
- Hebrews 1:5
- Hebrews 1:6
- Hebrews 1:7
- Hebrews 1:14
- and more
Looking a little closer at what Scripture says about angels and what it DOESN'T say

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today Link
The story behind the song "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by - Hymnology Archive
Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Take this as your call to read the birth of Jesus narrative as recorded by Luke. The second (or third, or fourth) time you read through Luke 1 and 2, watch for what you learn about angels by what is shown and said in the text. Make a list of what you learn about angels. Then, head over to Hebrews 1 and 2 and compare your list to what you learn there. You’ll uncover additions to your list. And while you may not be in danger of worshipping angels, you will now know what the Bible actually says about these important — and very real — beings.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#504: "Still Waters (Psalm 23)" by Leanna Crawford Nov 18, 2024

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There’s a phrase I often use in my prayers for others. I pray that God will go before them, behind them, and that His hand of blessing will be on their heads. Little did I know that Leanna Crawford's song "Still Waters (Psalm 23)" would guide me to a place that beautifully depicts our Father's conduct. Nor did I know how refreshing God‘s words would be during turbulent times.

Writing Scripture on your heart for when you need it is good advice. And Psalm 23 is the perfect place to start.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Internalizing Scripture
- Meditation
- Repetition
- Imagination
- Start with God
- Consult an outside resource
Episode Guide
Internalizing scripture, then repeating it out loud
Keith Ferrin’s Bible Talk interview with Mike Santoro - YouTube Video
- Mike's Bible memory card website - https://bsbversememorycards.carrd.co/
Committing the words of Psalm 23 to memory
Rehearsing the words of Psalm 23 to calm my spirit
God speaking His words back to me regarding my situation
The historical context of some of the phrases in Psalm 23
Being led by the Good Shepherd - John 10:27 - Episode #479
making it our goal to know the Word, not just the words
Being hemmed in by the Father in Psalm 139:5
Using the title of my novel, A Seat at the Table, to inspire a study of tables in Scripture
Kenneth Bailey’s commentary, The Good Shepherd: A Thousand Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament - Amazon paid link

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today Link
The story behind the song "Still Waters" by Leanna Crawford - New Release Today Article by Kevin Davis
Three-part video series on "Bible Memorization for Normal People" by Keith Ferrin - Video #1, Video #2, Video #3
Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read Psalm 23 and then take the challenge to internalize the words. Memorize them with the goal to know the Word not just the words. Repeat the words aloud until you have them down pat. Then, transition to imagination and meditation. Perhaps I share something in this episode you hadn’t known before that will enhance your meditation efforts. Grab the Episode Guide because there are a couple of things I wanted to go over in this episode that I couldn’t fit in but are helpful as you study/internalize this Psalm.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#503: "Take You At Your Word” by Cody Carnes & Benjamin William Hastings Nov 04, 2024

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In a day and age where you can't seem to trust anyone, Cody Carnes and Benjamin William Hastings sing an anthem that resonates with me. "Take You At Your Word" caused me to explore why we can take God at His Word and how to do it.

Let's take our cue from a group of people in Acts and examine the Scriptures together.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Making observations
- Consider the opposite
- Read in context
- Use section headings to get your bearings
Episode Guide
To take someone at their word is to believe exactly what they say
Being a little gun-shy in our culture today to take others at their word
Following the pattern of the Bereans to receive God's Word from others, but test it against the standard of Scripture for ourselves - Acts 17:1-11
Giving authority to Scripture because Jesus did
Authority of Scripture as an underlying theme of my debut novel, A Seat at the Table - Learn More
Jesus' direct statements about the divine origin and permanent validity of Scripture
- Matthew 5:17-18
- John 10:35
Examining the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 3 as an example of using Scripture to guide our lives
As we look to Jesus as our example of handling Scripture, we cannot possibly have a lower view of Scripture than our Teacher.
If you claim to follow Christ, you are His disciple. Jesus defines a disciple as one who abides in His Word - John 8:31
Recognizing the use of Scripture does not make it a good use of Scripture. Satan uses Scripture in Matthew 4:5-6, but Jesus' response with alternate Scriptures reveals God's true heart.

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today Link
"The Authority of the Bible" pamphlet by John Stott - Amazon Paid Link
Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Recognize that we can take God at His Word because Jesus did. As disciples of Christ, we are to follow His instruction to abide in His Word and His example. Consider the example of the Bereans in Acts 17. Meditate on the example of Christ in Matthew 4. Bring all of the voices in your life under the standard and authority of Scripture.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#502: "Good Day" by Forrest Frank Oct 21, 2024

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Some truths we use in our everyday language might change how we think and respond to life if we think deeply about them. Forrest Frank has a song out, "Good Day," that I've used as the celebration theme song for the release of my new novel, "A Seat at the Table." However, the lyrics inspired me to meditate on Scripture in a new way.
Lift your eyes to the heavens as we meditate on the God who made the universe.
In this episode, I discuss the following:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Meditate on Scripture
- Pray Scripture
- Share with a friend
Episode Guide
My debut novel, A Seat at the Table - Learn More
God knows my name - Isaiah 43:1-4
God made the universe
- Psalm 115:15
- Jeremiah 10:16
- Revelation 4:11
- 2 Kings 19:15
Borrowing a prayer from Scripture - 2 Kings 19:15
The two times ESV translators used the word "universe" in Scripture
- Hebrews 11:3
- Hebrews 1:1-3
The unique vantage point of an astronaut - Chaos and the Cosmos: An Astronaut Interview by The Bible Project
"God’s daily work of preserving and governing the world cannot be separated from his act of calling the world into existence.” - Creation Regained by Albert Wolters - Amazon Paid Link
‌Christ is the one holding everything together
- Hebrews 1:1-3
- Colossians 1:15-17
How balanced our universe really is, or it would fly apart
The Greek word for "universe" in Hebrews 1:3 is panta - literally "the all"

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today Link
The unique vantage point of an astronaut - Chaos and the Cosmos: An Astronaut Interview by The Bible Project
Creation Regained by Albert Wolters - Amazon Paid Link
Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Meditate on our God who made the universe. Treat this idea like you would something you worry about. Read about what the Bible says about it, talk about it with a friend, listen to a podcast to get a fresh perspective, roll it around in your mind a bit, and let what you’ve learned to change the way you pray. If you need help incorporating all of this, download the episode guide at michellenezat.com/502download.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#501: "The Table" by Jonathan Traylor Oct 07, 2024

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When my mom shared Jonathan Traylor's song "The Table" with me, I knew I wanted to use it as a launching point on the podcast closest to my debut novel release, "A Seat at the Table." I contend that the world sees a "seat at the table" as an opportunity for power and influence. But what does Scripture say about having a seat at the table of Christ? That is what we'll explore in this episode.

Let's examine a table in the Old Testament and the table of the Last Supper in the New Testament.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read in context
- Exploring a theme
Special Episode Gift
My debut novel, A Seat at the Table - Learn More
How to evaluate the tables you are sitting at
My newest endeavor, Story Sessions, where I use a story as inspiration to study Scripture (much like I do on the podcast)
Exploring the theme of tables in Scripture
Exploring the Table of the Bread of Presence in the context of the design/construction of The Tabernacle - Exodus 25-31
The Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people - Exodus 25:8
The Bread of the Presence was a part of the priests' regular interaction with God - Exodus 25:30, Leviticus 24
The 12 loaves of bread on the Table of the Bread of Presence represented the 12 tribes. "Each tribe had a seat at the table." - Exalting Jesus in Exodus Commentary - Amazon Paid Link
The bread of the Presence can also be translated as "'bread of the face,' referring to the fact that bread was in the presence of God, set before Him." - Exalting Jesus in Leviticus Commentary - Amazon Paid Link
The Lord's Table, as enacted by Christ at the Last Supper - 1 Corinthians 11:24-25
The account of the Last Supper in Luke 22:14-20
The cost of Christ's invitation to His table - Matthew 16:24, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4
The example of humility and a heart for others set at Christ's table - John 13:12-16
The betrayal at Christ's table - John 13:21
Counting the cost before we accept the invitation - Luke 14:27-28
The intimacy at Christ's table - John 13:23-25
In Christ, our seat in heavenly places - Ephesians 2:4-6
Our future seat at the banquet table of the marriage supper of the Lamb - Revelation 19:9
To accept this invitation to the table of Christ
- Don't get cleaned up first - Romans 5:8
- Confess and believe - Romans 10:9-10

This Week's Challenge

Learn about the Table of the Bread of Presence by reading Exodus 25-31. Read about the Bread of Presence in Leviticus 24. Then consider the Bread of Life, Jesus, at a table described in all four gospels—Luke 22, Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 13.
I hope you take advantage of the free video series I created for you-- Story Sessions: A Seat at the Table. In it, we harness the power of story to unlock God’s Word. Do you have to read the novel to complete these online studies? Absolutely not. I use the book as a parable—a story to point back to—to teach truths. The story can act as a series of pegs to hang future truth. And I promise not to spoil the story, so you can complete the studies before or after you read the book.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#500: "Take It All Back" by Tauren Wells Sep 23, 2024

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Grab the Episode Guide HERE.
The enemy of our souls has many names in Scripture. One verse often attributed to him describes him as a thief. Tauran Wells, in his new song "Take It All Back," declares he's taking back what the enemy stole. That thief's schemes to destroy us stand in direct opposition to the abundant life Jesus offers.

Let's journey back to the enemy's first scheme to see what he stole in the beginning and take THAT back.

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read in context
- Follow the cross-references
- Make observations
Episode Guide
500 Episodes 🎉
Our enemy, the devil, has schemes and strategies that he uses again and again - Ephesians 6:11
Going back to the beginning to see his "original plays" - Genesis 3
Why we know that the serpent in Genesis 3 is the devil - Revelation 12:9
The attributes of the devil reveal the character of the devil and are evident in the conduct of the devil
- Crafty - Genesis 3:1
- Father of lies - John 8:44
- Thief - John 10:10
How satan gaslights Eve - Gen 3:1-3
The enemy's first three strategies
- Doubt the wisdom of God's Word
- Doubt the truth of God's Word
- Distort God's character
How spiritual death is death - Episode 494
How satan used these strategies to break the relationship between Adam and Eve and God and how he uses the same strategies to break relationships today (like between parent and child)
Shame as a result of the strategies played out in our lives
The difference between guilt and shame
- Guilt is the state of having committed an offense.
- Shame is a state of dishonor
Shame leads to fear, which leads to hiding and blame
Our strategy against the enemy's strategy is to confess - standing in the light of God's grace

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today Link
The story behind the song "Take It All Back" by Tauren Wells - YouTube Video
My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

The Week's Challenge
Read Genesis 3 in context. As you read the details of the fall of man, look for the enemy's strategy. Be quick to confess your guilt, allow God to forgive your sins, and purify you from all unrighteousness. Resist the temptation to slip into shame that leads to fear, hiding, and blame. Once you recognize the enemy’s go-to schemes, they will be easier to identify in your own life.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#499: "That's My King" by CeCe Winans Sep 09, 2024

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It's time to meditate on how amazing Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega and Lamb of God really is. And when you do, it should cause you to jump up and tell everyone what CeCe Winans sings about in her song, "That's My King."

We're headed back to Revelation in this episode, looking to see what we can learn from the worship responses to our King of kings.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Repetition
- Slow down
- Write out Scripture by hand
- Meditate on Scripture
- Write down your observations
- Read in various translations
Episode Guide
Other episodes where songs lead us to Revelation - Episode 369, Episode 390, Episode 443, Episode 498
Reading Revelation and looking for worship responses to write out by hand
How writing things out by hand gives the mind more footholds for accessing a given concept or idea
Observing the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, AND WHY of the worship responses recorded in Revelation
Using the Scripture and our inspiration song to give us words to use in adoring God
How reading in a different translation caused me to read Revelation 5:12 in a new way
The Lamb of God as a common title used for Jesus in Revelation - John 1:29, Revelation 12:11, Revelation 17:14
Hearing the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit reminding me that JESUS ALONE is worthy of power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing and that it's HIS SHED BLOOD that gives me access to ask for the same

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today Link
Exalting Jesus in Revelation Commentary - Amazon Paid Link
My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read the book of Revelation for yourself. As you read it, when you come to a worship response, write out the worship response by hand. Consider reading in a translation other than what you’re most familiar with. Make observations of who, what, where, when, and why the worship responses are inspired. Meditate on God’s Word and

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#498: "Revelation” by John Rich Aug 26, 2024

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Grab an Episode Guide for this episode! CLICK HERE
We know we can't know the day or the hour, but we do know one thing—King Jesus is returning! When John Rich sings about Christ's return in his song "Revelation," it inspired me to pick up the book of prophecy and read it again.

Join me on a journey through Revelation with a unique way to read it.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read aloud
- Start with God/Jesus
- Follow the cross-references
- Journal your observations
Episode Guide
Not letting preconceived ideas keep you from reading Revelation
The blessings that come along with reading, hearing, and keeping what is found in Revelation - Revelation 1:1-3
Reading Revelation in a new way by starting with what you learn about Jesus and journaling it
All about where I curated the BITE "Start With God"
- "Asking the Right Questions" by Dr. Matthew Harmon - Amazon Paid Link
- Friday with Friends episode with Dr. Matthew Harmon - YouTube Link
- Asking the Right Questions Online Course - The Gospel Coalition Link
The strangest quote from Martin Luther I've ever heard - "Exalting Jesus in Revelation Commentary" - Amazon Paid Link
Jesus IS coming back - Revelation 1:7, Revelation 22:7
Why we need to be aware of the details of His return
- Matthew 24:33
- Matthew 24:42
Taking our readiness seriously
- Matthew 24:48-51
- Matthew 25:11-13
- Matthew 25:30
Encouraging one another to stay alert - 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:6
Armoring up for His return - 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
Peter's admonishment in light of the knowledge of Christ's return - 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Peter 3:14, 2 Peter 3:17
The warnings indicate the possibility we may stumble, but HE IS ABLE to keep us - Jude 24-25

Additional Resources

The story behind the song "Revelation" by John Rich - YouTube Video - Note: This is an interview with Tucker Carlson and therefore gets a little political. If you can "eat the chicken and spit out the bones," like my Grandma used to say, I encourage you to watch it. It is very thought-provoking. But I am not listing it here for the political aspect of the discussion.
A local pastor in my community taught me why he thinks the Bible presents a post-tribulation rapture. Here's a link to the entire series. The teaching on the timing of the rapture is audio only. Until He Comes Series
Exalting Jesus in Revelation Commentary - Amazon Paid Link
My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

My challenge to you is to read the words of Revelation for yourself. Read them out loud. Keep your antenna up for all you can learn about Jesus—His character, conduct, and concerns in the last days. Then, as you read and study other areas of the New Testament, look for how the New Testament authors think we should respond to the truth that our King is

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

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